Hear from Zhen Chen, our Apprentice of the Quarter

At First Intuition, we’re proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and success of our apprentices. Each quarter, we highlight an individual who has gone above and beyond in their studies and workplace.

Hear from Zhen Chen, our Apprentice of the Quarter

At First Intuition, we’re proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and success of our apprentices. Each quarter, we highlight an individual who has gone above and beyond in their studies and workplace.

In this interview, Zhen shares their experience, insights, and advice for others looking to follow a similar path.

Congratulations on being chosen for First Intuition East Anglia Apprentice of the Quarter Award. How does it feel to be recognised as our Apprentice of the Quarter (Norfolk & Suffolk) ?

I’m honoured to be recognised as Apprentice of the Quarter. It’s a great feeling to know that the hard work and dedication I’ve put into both my studies and my role have been acknowledged. It’s also a real confidence boost and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

What made you choose a career in accountancy? Was there anything that triggered your decision?

I chose a career in accountancy because I studied Economics at A-level, which sparked my interest in areas like taxation. Accountancy felt like a natural progression, offering the opportunity to deepen my understanding and apply it in real-world scenarios.

How did you approach your studies and what resources/support that FI offer did you find most useful? Do you have any study tips for other apprentices about to start their studies?

I approached my studies with a structured plan and made sure to stay consistent. The support from FI has been fantastic—especially the online resources and tutor support. My top tip for new apprentices is to stay organised, don’t be afraid to ask questions, do practice questions and make the most of the support available. Also, try to relate what you’re learning to your day-to-day work.

How do you manage juggling work & study?

It’s definitely a balancing act, but good time management is key. I usually book my exam dates in advance so I can create a proper revision plan and set clear targets for when I want to complete each stage of my preparation. My manager has been very supportive in helping me manage my workload, which means I’m not overwhelmed and can maintain a manageable level of work alongside my studies.

How have you been supported by your company and colleagues throughout your apprenticeship so far? How has this contributed to both your success with both your qualification and also adding value to your workplace?

My company and colleagues have been incredibly supportive. From providing study leave to offering guidance and encouragement, their support has made a huge difference. It’s helped me stay motivated and confident, and I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned directly to my role, which adds real value to the team. My colleagues always remind me not to hesitate to ask them any study-related questions, which makes the learning process much more enjoyable.

What are your goals/plans for when you finish your apprenticeship?

Once I complete my apprenticeship, I plan to continue progressing in my accountancy career—ideally working towards full qualification and taking on greater responsibility. I’m excited to keep learning and growing both professionally and personally.

Why would you recommend the apprenticeship route for others?

I’d absolutely recommend the apprenticeship route. It’s a fantastic way to gain practical experience while studying, and the support from FI—such as skills days and coach guidance—makes a real difference. A special thank you to my skill coach – Claire Killips, who has supported me massively throughout both my Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship. You learn so much on the job, and it really helps build both confidence and competence in a real-world setting.

 

Would you like to learn more about our apprenticeships? You can find out more here.

For help or advice on your studies, please get in touch with us today.

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